A method for measuring beams includes determining a measurement period duration in accordance with periods of one or more periodic beam failure detection (BFD) reference signals (RSs) of a BFD RS set, wherein the BFD RSs of the one or more BFD RSs of the BFD RS set have a quasi-co-located (QCL) relationship with demodulation RSs (DMRSs) of PDCCH receptions monitored by a user equipment (UE), monitoring a subset of the one or more BFD RSs having the QCL relationship with the DMRSs of PDCCH receptions monitored by the UE that occur during a measurement period, and determining that measures of all BFD RSs in the subset of the one or more BFD RSs do not meet a specified threshold, and based thereon, reporting a beam failure (BF) instance.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method implemented by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: determining, by the UE, a duration of a measurement period in accordance with a maximum of a shortest period of beam failure detection reference signal(s) and a specified time value, wherein the duration of the measurement period is an integer multiple of the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signal(s) when the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signal(s) exceeds the specified time value; monitoring, by the UE, at least a subset of the beam failure detection reference signal(s) during the measurement period; incrementing a beam failure indication (BFI) counter each time a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of the subset of beam failure detection reference signal(s) fails to exceed an RSRP threshold; and resetting, by the UE, the BFI counter in response to determining that the BFI counter is less than a failure threshold upon expiration of the measurement period.
In wireless communication systems, user equipment (UE) relies on beam failure detection to maintain reliable connectivity with a base station. Beam failure occurs when the quality of the communication link degrades below a certain threshold, necessitating rapid detection and recovery. Existing methods for beam failure detection may suffer from inefficiencies, such as excessive signaling or delayed detection, which can degrade network performance. This invention addresses these issues by providing a method for beam failure detection in a UE. The UE determines a measurement period duration based on the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signals (BFD-RS) and a specified time value. If the shortest BFD-RS period exceeds the specified time value, the measurement period is set as an integer multiple of the shortest BFD-RS period. During this measurement period, the UE monitors a subset of the BFD-RS. For each reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement that fails to exceed an RSRP threshold, the UE increments a beam failure indication (BFI) counter. Upon expiration of the measurement period, the UE resets the BFI counter if it is below a failure threshold. This approach ensures efficient and timely beam failure detection while minimizing unnecessary signaling.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the UE monitors all of the beam failure detection reference signal(s) that occur during the measurement period.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically beam failure detection in 5G New Radio (NR) networks. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable detection of beam failures in scenarios where multiple reference signals are used for monitoring. Beam failure occurs when the quality of a communication link between a user equipment (UE) and a base station degrades beyond a threshold, requiring the UE to switch to a different beam. Existing methods may miss beam failures if not all reference signals are monitored during the measurement period. The invention describes a method where a user equipment (UE) monitors all beam failure detection reference signals that occur during a predefined measurement period. The UE evaluates the quality of these signals to determine if a beam failure has occurred. If the quality of the monitored signals falls below a predefined threshold, the UE declares a beam failure and initiates a beam recovery procedure. The measurement period is a configurable time window during which the UE continuously or periodically checks the reference signals. The reference signals may include synchronization signals, channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), or other downlink signals used for beam failure detection. The method ensures comprehensive monitoring, reducing the likelihood of missed beam failures and improving communication reliability. The UE may also report the beam failure to the base station to trigger a beam switch or other corrective actions. This approach enhances robustness in dynamic wireless environments where beam quality can fluctuate rapidly.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the beam failure detection reference signal(s) include channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs).
A method for wireless communication involves detecting beam failure in a wireless network, particularly in scenarios where communication relies on directional beams. The method addresses the challenge of maintaining reliable communication links in environments where beam misalignment or blockage can disrupt data transmission. The solution involves using reference signals to monitor the quality of the communication beam and detect failures when signal quality falls below a threshold. The method includes transmitting and receiving beam failure detection reference signals, which are specialized signals used to assess the integrity of the communication beam. These reference signals are configured to evaluate the channel conditions between a transmitting device and a receiving device. When the received signal quality of these reference signals deteriorates beyond a predefined threshold, a beam failure is detected, triggering corrective actions such as beam realignment or switching to an alternative beam. In some implementations, the beam failure detection reference signals include channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs). CSI-RSs are reference signals specifically designed to measure channel state information, providing detailed insights into the quality and characteristics of the communication channel. By incorporating CSI-RSs into the beam failure detection process, the method enhances the accuracy and reliability of failure detection, ensuring timely and effective responses to beam-related issues. This approach is particularly useful in advanced wireless systems, such as 5G and beyond, where beamforming techniques are critical for achieving high data rates and reliable connectivity.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the beam failure detection reference signal(s) include synchronization signals.
A method for wireless communication involves detecting beam failure in a network using reference signals, including synchronization signals. The technique addresses the challenge of maintaining reliable communication links in environments where beam misalignment or blockage can disrupt data transmission. By incorporating synchronization signals as part of the beam failure detection process, the system can more accurately identify when a beam has failed, allowing for faster recovery and re-establishment of the communication link. The method leverages these signals to monitor the quality of the beam and trigger corrective actions when degradation is detected. This approach enhances the robustness of wireless networks, particularly in scenarios where high mobility or dynamic obstacles are present. The use of synchronization signals provides a standardized and efficient way to assess beam integrity, ensuring seamless connectivity for users. The method is applicable in various wireless communication systems, including 5G and beyond, where beamforming is critical for achieving high data rates and low latency. By integrating synchronization signals into the beam failure detection mechanism, the system improves reliability and reduces the likelihood of communication interruptions.
5. A user equipment (UE) comprising: a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing programming for execution by the processor, the programming including instructions to: determine a duration of a measurement period in accordance with a maximum of a shortest period of beam failure detection reference signal(s) and a specified time value, wherein the duration of the measurement period is an integer multiple of the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signal(s) when the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signal(s) exceeds the specified time value; monitor at least a subset of the beam failure detection reference signal(s) during the measurement period; incrementing a beam failure indication (BFI) counter each time a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of the subset of beam failure detection reference signal(s) fails to exceed an RSRP threshold; and reset the BFI counter in response to determining that the BFI counter is less than a failure threshold upon expiration of the measurement period.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically beam failure detection in user equipment (UE) for maintaining reliable communication links. The problem addressed is ensuring accurate and efficient beam failure detection while minimizing unnecessary signaling and processing overhead. The solution involves a UE with a processor and a non-transitory storage medium containing programming instructions. The UE determines a measurement period duration based on the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signals (BFD-RS) and a specified time value. If the shortest BFD-RS period exceeds the specified time value, the measurement period is set as an integer multiple of this period. During the measurement period, the UE monitors a subset of BFD-RS signals. For each signal where the reference signal received power (RSRP) does not exceed a predefined RSRP threshold, a beam failure indication (BFI) counter is incremented. If the BFI counter remains below a failure threshold upon expiration of the measurement period, the counter is reset. This approach optimizes beam failure detection by dynamically adjusting the measurement period and efficiently tracking signal quality to determine link reliability.
6. The UE of claim 5 , wherein the UE monitors all of the beam failure detection reference signal(s) that occur during the measurement period.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to beam failure detection in user equipment (UE) operating in environments with multiple beams. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable beam failure detection by monitoring all relevant reference signals during a defined measurement period, which is critical for maintaining stable communication links in high-frequency or beamformed networks. The UE is configured to monitor all beam failure detection reference signals that occur within a specified measurement period. These reference signals are used to assess the quality of communication beams between the UE and a network node, such as a base station. By monitoring all such signals during the period, the UE can accurately determine if a beam failure has occurred, which may trigger a beam recovery procedure. The measurement period is a predefined time window during which the UE evaluates the reference signals to detect potential beam failures. The UE may use these signals to compare against a threshold or other criteria to determine beam failure conditions. This approach ensures that no relevant reference signals are missed, improving the reliability of beam failure detection in dynamic wireless environments. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple beams are active, and rapid detection of beam failures is necessary to maintain service continuity.
7. The UE of claim 5 , wherein the beam failure detection reference signal(s) include channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to user equipment (UE) in cellular networks that detect beam failures using reference signals. The problem addressed is the need for reliable beam failure detection to maintain communication links in high-frequency or millimeter-wave (mmWave) systems, where beam alignment is critical due to directional transmission and susceptibility to blockage. The UE monitors one or more reference signals to detect beam failures. These reference signals include channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs), which are used to assess the quality of communication beams. When the UE detects a beam failure, it initiates recovery procedures to reestablish a stable communication link. The UE may also use other reference signals, such as synchronization signals or demodulation reference signals, depending on the network configuration. The invention improves beam failure detection by leveraging CSI-RSs, which provide detailed channel state information, allowing the UE to accurately determine beam quality and identify failures. This enhances reliability in dynamic environments where beam blockages or interference may occur. The UE's ability to detect failures and trigger recovery ensures continuous communication, which is essential for high-speed data transmission in advanced wireless networks.
8. The UE of claim 5 , wherein the beam failure detection reference signal(s) include synchronization signals.
A system and method for enhancing beam failure detection in wireless communication networks, particularly in scenarios involving user equipment (UE) and base stations. The technology addresses the challenge of reliable beam failure detection in high-frequency or millimeter-wave communications, where signal blockages or interference can disrupt communication links. The invention involves a UE configured to monitor synchronization signals as part of the beam failure detection process. Synchronization signals, such as primary synchronization signals (PSS) or secondary synchronization signals (SSS), are used as reference signals to assess the quality of communication beams. If the UE detects a failure in the beam based on these synchronization signals, it initiates a beam failure recovery procedure, such as switching to an alternative beam or requesting a new beam configuration from the base station. This approach improves the robustness of beam failure detection by leveraging existing synchronization signals, reducing the need for additional dedicated reference signals and conserving network resources. The method ensures continuous and reliable communication by promptly identifying and recovering from beam failures, enhancing overall network performance and user experience.
9. A method comprising: determining, by a user equipment (UE) a duration of a measurement period in accordance with a maximum of a shortest period of beam failure detection reference signal(s) and a specified time value, wherein the duration of the measurement period is an integer multiple of the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signal(s)when the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signal(s) exceeds the specified time value; monitoring, by the UE, at least a subset of the beam failure detection reference signal(s) during the measurement period; incrementing a beam failure indication (BFI) counter each time a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of the subset of beam failure detection reference signal(s) fails to exceed an RSRP threshold; and transmitting, by the UE, a request to trigger a beam failure recovery procedure to a base station in response to determining that the BFI counter exceeds a failure threshold prior to expiration of the measurement period.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically beam failure detection and recovery in 5G New Radio (NR) networks. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable beam failure detection to maintain communication quality when the serving beam between a user equipment (UE) and a base station degrades. The method involves determining a measurement period duration based on the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signals (BFD-RS) and a specified time value. If the shortest BFD-RS period exceeds the specified time value, the measurement period is set as an integer multiple of the shortest BFD-RS period. During this measurement period, the UE monitors a subset of the BFD-RS. For each reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement that fails to exceed a predefined RSRP threshold, a beam failure indication (BFI) counter is incremented. If the BFI counter exceeds a failure threshold before the measurement period expires, the UE transmits a request to the base station to trigger a beam failure recovery procedure. This approach ensures timely detection of beam failures while adapting to varying BFD-RS configurations, improving communication reliability in dynamic wireless environments.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the UE monitors all of the beam failure detection reference signal(s) that occur during the measurement period.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to beam failure detection in millimeter-wave (mmWave) or other high-frequency networks where beam alignment is critical. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable detection of beam failures by a user equipment (UE) when multiple reference signals are used for monitoring beam quality. In such systems, beam failure occurs when the signal quality of an active beam falls below a threshold, requiring the UE to switch to a backup beam or initiate a recovery procedure. However, existing methods may miss beam failures if they do not account for all relevant reference signals during the measurement period. The invention improves beam failure detection by having the UE monitor all beam failure detection reference signals that occur within a defined measurement period. This ensures comprehensive assessment of beam quality by evaluating every available reference signal, reducing the risk of undetected failures. The measurement period is a configurable time window during which the UE collects and analyzes reference signals to determine if a beam failure has occurred. By monitoring all reference signals within this period, the UE can make a more accurate and timely decision about beam failure, improving communication reliability. This method is particularly useful in dynamic environments where beam conditions may change rapidly, such as in mmWave networks with high mobility or interference. The invention enhances the robustness of beam failure detection, leading to better network performance and user experience.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the beam failure detection reference signal(s) include channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs).
A method for wireless communication involves detecting beam failure in a wireless network, particularly in scenarios where communication relies on directional beams. The problem addressed is the need for reliable beam failure detection to maintain stable communication links in environments where beam misalignment or blockage can disrupt data transmission. The method uses reference signals to monitor the quality of communication beams. Specifically, the reference signals include channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs), which are used to assess the channel conditions between a transmitting and receiving device. By analyzing these signals, the system can detect when a beam fails or degrades, allowing for timely corrective actions such as beam switching or retransmission. The method may also involve configuring the reference signals based on network conditions or device capabilities to optimize detection accuracy and efficiency. This approach ensures robust communication in dynamic wireless environments where beam reliability is critical.
12. The method of claim 9 , wherein the beam failure detection reference signal(s) include synchronization signals.
A method for wireless communication involves detecting beam failure in a network using reference signals, including synchronization signals. The technique is designed to improve reliability in wireless systems where communication links may degrade due to obstacles or interference. By incorporating synchronization signals as part of the beam failure detection process, the system can more accurately identify when a beam link has failed, allowing for faster recovery and reduced downtime. The method leverages these signals to monitor the quality of the communication channel, ensuring that any disruptions are quickly detected and addressed. This approach enhances the overall stability and performance of wireless networks, particularly in environments where signal integrity is critical. The use of synchronization signals provides a robust mechanism for beam failure detection, improving the efficiency of network operations and user experience.
13. A user equipment (UE) comprising: a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing programming for execution by the processor, the programming including instructions to: determine a duration of a measurement period in accordance with a maximum of a shortest period of beam failure detection reference signal(s) and a specified time value, wherein the duration of the measurement period is an integer multiple of the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signal(s) when the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signal(s) exceeds the specified time value; monitor at least a subset of the beam failure detection reference signal(s) during the measurement period; incrementing a beam failure indication (BFI) counter each time a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement of the subset of beam failure detection reference signal(s) fails to exceed an RSRP threshold; and transmit a request to trigger a beam failure recovery procedure to a base station in response to determining that the BFI counter exceeds a failure threshold prior to expiration of the measurement period.
The invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to beam failure detection and recovery in user equipment (UE). The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable beam failure detection to maintain communication quality in environments with dynamic beam conditions. The solution involves a UE that dynamically adjusts the duration of a measurement period for beam failure detection based on the shortest period of available beam failure detection reference signals (BFD-RS) and a specified time value. If the shortest BFD-RS period exceeds the specified time value, the measurement period is set as an integer multiple of this shortest period. During this period, the UE monitors a subset of BFD-RS signals and increments a beam failure indication (BFI) counter whenever the reference signal received power (RSRP) of these signals fails to meet a predefined RSRP threshold. If the BFI counter exceeds a failure threshold before the measurement period expires, the UE transmits a request to the base station to initiate a beam failure recovery procedure. This approach ensures timely and accurate detection of beam failures while optimizing resource usage.
14. The UE of claim 13 , wherein the UE monitors all of the beam failure detection reference signal(s) that occur during the measurement period.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to user equipment (UE) monitoring beam failure detection reference signals during a measurement period. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable detection of beam failures in wireless networks, particularly in scenarios where multiple reference signals are used for monitoring. The UE is configured to monitor all beam failure detection reference signals that occur within a defined measurement period. This involves continuously tracking the quality of reference signals associated with active communication beams to determine if any beam failures occur. The measurement period is a time window during which the UE evaluates the reference signals to assess beam performance. By monitoring all reference signals within this period, the UE can accurately detect beam failures and trigger appropriate recovery procedures, such as switching to alternative beams or initiating retransmissions. This approach enhances communication reliability by ensuring that beam failures are promptly identified and addressed, reducing disruptions in data transmission. The invention is particularly useful in advanced wireless networks, such as 5G and beyond, where beam-based communication is critical for maintaining high data rates and low latency.
15. The UE of claim 13 , wherein the beam failure detection reference signal(s) include channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to user equipment (UE) configured to detect beam failure using channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs). In wireless networks, beam failure occurs when the communication link between the UE and the base station degrades, leading to poor signal quality. Traditional beam failure detection relies on demodulation reference signals (DM-RSs), but these may not always be sufficient for accurate detection, especially in high-mobility or dynamic environments. The UE is designed to monitor beam quality by evaluating CSI-RSs, which are reference signals used for channel state estimation. By analyzing these signals, the UE can determine if the beam quality has fallen below a predefined threshold, indicating a beam failure. This approach improves reliability compared to DM-RS-based detection, as CSI-RSs provide more comprehensive channel information. The UE may then trigger a beam failure recovery procedure, such as requesting a new beam from the base station, to restore communication quality. The invention also includes mechanisms for configuring the UE to use CSI-RSs for beam failure detection, ensuring compatibility with existing wireless standards. This method enhances network robustness by providing a more accurate and responsive beam failure detection mechanism, particularly in scenarios where traditional methods may fail. The use of CSI-RSs allows for better adaptation to varying channel conditions, improving overall communication reliability.
16. The UE of claim 13 , wherein the beam failure detection reference signal(s) include synchronization signals.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically beam failure detection in user equipment (UE) for 5G or similar networks. The problem addressed is the need for reliable beam failure detection to maintain communication quality when the active beam between the UE and base station degrades or fails. Traditional methods rely on dedicated reference signals, which may not always be available or sufficient for accurate detection. The invention describes a UE configured to detect beam failure using synchronization signals as reference signals. Synchronization signals, such as primary synchronization signals (PSS) and secondary synchronization signals (SSS), are typically used for initial cell acquisition but are not conventionally employed for beam failure detection. By leveraging these signals, the UE can monitor beam quality even when other reference signals are unavailable or insufficient. The UE compares the quality of received synchronization signals against a predefined threshold to determine if a beam failure has occurred. If the threshold is not met, the UE initiates a beam recovery procedure, such as requesting a new beam from the base station. This approach improves reliability and reduces dependency on dedicated reference signals, ensuring continuous communication even in dynamic wireless environments. The invention also includes methods for configuring the UE to use synchronization signals for beam failure detection, including adjusting detection thresholds and selecting appropriate synchronization signals based on network conditions. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where beam stability is critical, such as high-mobility or high-frequency communications.
17. The UE of claim 13 , wherein the duration of the measurement period is an integer multiple of the specified time value when the specified time value exceeds the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signal(s).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to user equipment (UE) configured to optimize beam failure detection (BFD) by adjusting measurement periods based on reference signal characteristics. The problem addressed is inefficient beam failure detection due to fixed or improperly configured measurement intervals, leading to delayed or inaccurate detection of beam failures in high-mobility or dynamic environments. The UE includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor determines a specified time value based on the periodicity of beam failure detection reference signals (BFD-RS) and compares it to the shortest possible BFD-RS period. If the specified time value exceeds this shortest period, the UE sets the duration of its measurement period as an integer multiple of the specified time value. This ensures the measurement period aligns with the BFD-RS transmission pattern, improving detection accuracy and reducing unnecessary measurements. The UE then uses this adjusted measurement period to monitor beam quality and detect beam failures. The transceiver transmits reports or triggers recovery procedures based on the detection results. This approach enhances reliability in scenarios where reference signals are transmitted at varying intervals, such as in millimeter-wave or beamformed communication systems.
18. The UE of claim 13 , wherein the beam failure detection reference signal(s) are quasi-co-located (QCL) with demodulation reference signals (DMRSs) of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitored by the UE.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to user equipment (UE) in cellular networks. The problem addressed is improving beam failure detection (BFD) reliability in millimeter-wave (mmWave) or other high-frequency communications where beam alignment is critical. Beam failures occur when the UE loses synchronization with the serving base station due to blockage or signal degradation, requiring rapid detection and recovery. The UE monitors reference signals to detect beam failures. In this invention, the UE uses beam failure detection reference signals (BFD-RS) that are quasi-co-located (QCL) with demodulation reference signals (DMRS) of the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). QCL means the BFD-RS and PDCCH DMRS share certain properties, such as large-scale channel characteristics (e.g., Doppler shift, delay spread), allowing the UE to predict the BFD-RS behavior based on the PDCCH DMRS. This improves detection accuracy and reduces false positives. By leveraging QCL assumptions, the UE can efficiently track beam quality without additional overhead. The invention enhances beam failure recovery mechanisms, ensuring stable communication in dynamic environments. This is particularly useful in scenarios with frequent beam misalignments, such as mmWave communications or high-mobility scenarios. The approach minimizes latency in beam failure detection and recovery, improving overall system reliability.
19. The method of claim 1 , wherein the duration of the measurement period is an integer multiple of the specified time value when the specified time value exceeds the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signal(s).
A system and method for optimizing beam failure detection in wireless communication networks addresses the challenge of efficiently monitoring beam quality to maintain reliable connectivity. The invention involves dynamically adjusting the duration of measurement periods for detecting beam failures based on predefined time values and reference signal characteristics. When the specified time value exceeds the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signals, the measurement period duration is set as an integer multiple of the specified time value. This ensures synchronization with reference signal transmission intervals, reducing unnecessary measurements and improving resource efficiency. The method also includes determining the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signals and comparing it with the specified time value to dynamically adjust the measurement period. This approach enhances the accuracy and reliability of beam failure detection while minimizing computational overhead and power consumption in user devices. The invention is particularly useful in 5G and beyond networks where beam-based communication is critical for high-speed data transmission and low-latency applications.
20. The method of claim 1 , wherein the beam failure detection reference signal(s) are quasi-co-located (QCL) with demodulation reference signals (DMRSs) of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitored by the UE.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving beam failure detection in millimeter-wave (mmWave) or high-frequency networks where signal blockage is a common issue. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable beam failure detection when communication links degrade due to obstacles or mobility, which is critical for maintaining stable connectivity in 5G and beyond. The method involves using quasi-co-location (QCL) properties to associate beam failure detection reference signals (BFD-RS) with demodulation reference signals (DMRS) of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). QCL means the BFD-RS and PDCCH DMRS share certain channel characteristics, such as Doppler shift, delay spread, or spatial parameters, allowing the user equipment (UE) to predict signal behavior based on prior measurements. By linking the BFD-RS to the PDCCH DMRS, the UE can more accurately detect beam failures without requiring additional reference signals, reducing overhead and latency. The UE monitors the PDCCH for control information and uses the same QCL assumptions for the BFD-RS, enabling faster and more reliable beam failure detection. This approach ensures that the UE can quickly identify and recover from beam failures, maintaining communication quality in dynamic environments. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where beam alignment is critical, such as mmWave communications or high-mobility scenarios.
21. The UE of claim 5 , wherein the duration of the measurement period is an integer multiple of the specified time value when the specified time value exceeds the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signal(s).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to user equipment (UE) configured for beam failure detection and recovery in millimeter-wave (mmWave) or other high-frequency networks. The problem addressed is optimizing beam failure detection by dynamically adjusting the measurement period duration based on network conditions. In such systems, beam failure occurs when the signal quality of an active beam degrades below a threshold, requiring rapid detection and recovery to maintain connectivity. The UE is configured to monitor reference signals from multiple beams to detect failures and trigger recovery procedures. The UE includes a processor and a transceiver for communicating with a base station. The processor is configured to determine a specified time value based on network conditions, such as signal strength or latency requirements. The measurement period duration for beam failure detection is set as an integer multiple of this specified time value when the specified time value exceeds the shortest possible period for detecting beam failure reference signals. This ensures that the measurement period aligns with the network's timing constraints while maintaining efficient detection. The UE may also adjust the measurement period dynamically to balance detection accuracy and resource usage. The transceiver transmits measurement reports to the base station, enabling the network to initiate recovery procedures if a beam failure is detected. This approach improves reliability and reduces latency in high-frequency wireless communications.
22. The UE of claim 5 , wherein the beam failure detection reference signal(s) are quasi-co-located (QCL) with demodulation reference signals (DMRSs) of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitored by the UE.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving beam failure detection in a user equipment (UE) device. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable beam failure detection when communication beams between the UE and a base station degrade or fail. The solution involves configuring the UE to use beam failure detection reference signals (BFD-RS) that are quasi-co-located (QCL) with demodulation reference signals (DMRS) of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Quasi-co-location means the BFD-RS and PDCCH DMRS share certain signal properties, such as Doppler shift, delay spread, or spatial parameters, allowing the UE to accurately track and detect beam failures based on the PDCCH monitoring process. This approach enhances synchronization and reduces misdetection by leveraging existing PDCCH DMRS configurations, ensuring the UE can reliably identify beam failures and trigger recovery procedures. The UE monitors the BFD-RS and compares their quality to a threshold, declaring a beam failure if the quality falls below the threshold. This method improves communication reliability in scenarios with dynamic beam conditions, such as high-mobility environments or obstructed signal paths. The invention is particularly relevant to 5G and beyond wireless networks where beamforming is critical for high-frequency communications.
23. The method of claim 9 , wherein the duration of the measurement period is an integer multiple of the specified time value when the specified time value exceeds the shortest period of beam failure detection reference signal(s).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving beam failure detection in millimeter-wave (mmWave) or other high-frequency networks. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and accurate beam failure detection to maintain reliable communication links in environments where signal blockages or interference can disrupt beam alignment. The method involves monitoring beam failure detection reference signals (BFD-RS) during a measurement period to determine if a beam failure has occurred. The duration of this measurement period is dynamically adjusted based on a specified time value, which is derived from system parameters or network conditions. When the specified time value exceeds the shortest possible period for detecting beam failure (i.e., the minimum time required to reliably detect a failure), the measurement period is set as an integer multiple of this specified time value. This ensures that the measurement period is both sufficiently long to capture meaningful data and aligned with the system's timing constraints, improving detection accuracy while minimizing unnecessary delays. The method also includes configuring the specified time value based on factors such as channel conditions, mobility of the user equipment (UE), or network load, allowing for adaptive beam failure detection. By dynamically adjusting the measurement period, the system can balance between rapid failure detection and resource efficiency, particularly in high-mobility or congested scenarios. This approach enhances reliability and reduces latency in wireless communications.
24. The method of claim 9 , wherein the beam failure detection reference signal(s) are quasi-co-located (QCL) with demodulation reference signals (DMRSs) of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitored by the UE.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving beam failure detection in scenarios where a user equipment (UE) monitors a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The problem addressed is ensuring reliable beam failure detection by leveraging quasi-co-location (QCL) properties between beam failure detection reference signals (BFD-RS) and demodulation reference signals (DMRS) of the PDCCH. In wireless networks, beam failure occurs when the communication link between a base station and a UE degrades due to blockage or interference. To detect such failures, the UE monitors BFD-RS transmitted by the base station. However, if the BFD-RS and PDCCH DMRS are not properly aligned in terms of spatial properties (e.g., angle of arrival, delay spread), the UE may inaccurately detect beam failures or miss them entirely. This invention solves this by ensuring the BFD-RS and PDCCH DMRS are quasi-co-located, meaning they share the same spatial parameters. This alignment allows the UE to use the same beamforming configuration for both signals, improving detection accuracy and reducing false positives. The method involves configuring the BFD-RS to inherit the QCL properties of the PDCCH DMRS, such as spatial correlation, Doppler shift, and delay spread. This ensures the UE can reliably detect beam failures while maintaining synchronization with the PDCCH. The approach enhances robustness in dynamic environments where beam directions may change frequently, such as in millimeter-wave (mmWave) communications. By aligning these reference signals, the system achieves more consistent and accurate beam failure detection, improving overall communication reliability.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
May 13, 2019
February 15, 2022
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.